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Inventory updated: Fri, Jul 24, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2018 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 1.5 L
Tasting Notes:
JD 98 (1/2021): Always one of top wines in a vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another gorgeous wine with a more plush, supple texture that hides solid underlying structure and tannins. Beautiful notes of blueberries, new leather, camphor, violets, and smoked tobacco all flow to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured beauty that's very much in the style of the vintage. Possessing remarkable purity, flawless balance, and building tannins, give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 25+ years.
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is bright, punchy and structured. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and crushed rocks all come alive in the glass. This searingly tannic, mountain Cabernet needs a good deal of time to open, but when it does, it dazzles. Bright floral notes, blood orange and slightly redder tonalities of fruit develop over time. The Pritchard Hill is a wine for readers who can be patient. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Chappellet |
2013 |
Las Piedras Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Merlot |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Merlot |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Malbec |
$49 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Napa Valley Zinfandel |
$24 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L)  |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (10/2014): The dense purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate (one of Napa’s fashionable go-to terroirs) exhibits a striking bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. This is a compelling wine with profound depth and flavor, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a velvety integration of tannin, acidity and wood. Pushing perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon, this multidimensional, skyscraper-like offering has all the intensity one expects, but it never comes across as heavy. This gives it an ethereal character that is nearly impossible to articulate, but genius is often hard to explain. It is clearly a major superstar of a great vintage.
VM 94+ (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is rich and explosive, with tons of concentration, depth and structure. Dark blue and black fruit, mocha, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all burst from the glass as this huge, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pure class. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, a wine that will blow the roof off the house with its unbridled power. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (11/2021): A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another wonderfully evocative triumph from this family-owned Pitchard Hill pioneer. Deep garnet-purple colored, it storms out of the glass with profound scents of crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, licorice and mulberries, plus hints of unsmoked cigars, wild sage and tar. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers fantastic intensity and great poise, offering fine-grained, ripe tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
JD 98+ (6/2022): The flagship from this great estate is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill, which checks in as a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It has an incredible nose of pure blue fruits as well as flowers, crushed stone, fresh thyme, tobacco, and graphite. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it's nevertheless weightless and light on its feet, with wonderfully integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great finish. This classic, quintessential Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20, 30, if not 40 years if stored correctly. 3800 cases. (Drink between 2024-2054).
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is a potent, massively tannic wine. Black fruit, graphite, licorice, spice, menthol, chocolate and dried herbs abound. A huge, tannic beast, the 2019 is all brawn today and not terribly finessed. This is not a particularly distinguished vintage for Chappellet's flagship. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$280 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (2/2025): A terrific effort from a challenging vintage, Chappellet's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill—94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot—boasts expressive scents of cassis, blackberries, vanilla and caramel. It's full-bodied, supple, generous, deep and round, expansive on the palate and framed by soft, fully ripe tannins and hints of mocha on the lingering, velvety finish. Showy, impressive and delicious, it should drink well for a couple of decades.
JD 96 (3/2025): The flagship 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill brings more density and depth than just about every other wine in the vintage. This brilliant 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot blend offers darker blue fruits interwoven with graphite, crushed stone-like minerality, and liquid violets. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it has beautiful tannins, a lively sense of freshness and purity, no hard edges, and a great finish. Best after 2-3 years of bottle age, it will drink well for 15+ years. (Drink between 2027-2043) |
|
|
2010 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (5/2018): Composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 11% Petit Verdot, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is deep garnet colored with a nose of baked blackcurrants, preserved black plums and damp soil with hints of fungi, chargrill, tilled soil and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, tautly structured and with a refreshing backbone, it has bags of black fruits and a long, chewy finish.
VM 94+ (5/2020): Saturated deep ruby to the rim. Cool, laid-back nose combines blackcurrant, licorice, crushed rock, graphite and bitter chocolate. Thick, sweet and large-scaled on entry, then rich and mouthfilling in the mid-palate, with a strong mineral spine framing its black fruit, licorice and violet flavors. Wonderfully plush and long but evolving at a snail's pace. A huge, almost excessive wine with outstanding concentration and depth of flavor. Tannins are utterly suave but substantial. I described this as full-blown when I first tasted it, but it's every bit as youthful today and an element of medicinal reserve accentuates its powerful underlying structure. I'd still give this wine another few years of cellaring; its terrific mountain energy and tannic spine should support it through at least another two decades of evolution. (Drink between 2025-2040). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (3/2024): Seemingly just entering maturity, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill boasts stunning fresh, vital notes of redcurrants and raspberries, accented by intricate details of dried sage and bay leaf. It's amazingly silky and supple, a charming, softly tannic effort that somehow combines intense levels of concentration with almost indescribable harmony and finesse.
VM 94+ (10/2024): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is rich and explosive, with tons of concentration, depth and structure. Dark blue and black fruit, mocha, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all burst from the glass as this huge, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pure class. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, a wine that will blow the roof off the house with its unbridled power. (Drink between 2020-2042). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$423.15 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2021): Always one of top wines in a vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another gorgeous wine with a more plush, supple texture that hides solid underlying structure and tannins. Beautiful notes of blueberries, new leather, camphor, violets, and smoked tobacco all flow to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured beauty that's very much in the style of the vintage. Possessing remarkable purity, flawless balance, and building tannins, give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 25+ years.
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is bright, punchy and structured. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and crushed rocks all come alive in the glass. This searingly tannic, mountain Cabernet needs a good deal of time to open, but when it does, it dazzles. Bright floral notes, blood orange and slightly redder tonalities of fruit develop over time. The Pritchard Hill is a wine for readers who can be patient. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
|
|
2006 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (6/2009): Full ruby-red. Aromas of currant, tobacco, graphite and crushed rock. Sweet, plush and nicely deep, with a silky texture to the flavors of plum, currant and spicecake. Quite sweet, even a bit exotic, for this bottling. Finishes with substantial broad, dusty tannins and plenty of spicy, chocolatey oak. |
|
|
2013 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature from Chappellet, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, is a stunner. Moreover, it’s a pretty realistic value for a top-notch Cabernet from California. Of course, it’s a great vintage and they’ve nailed it. Deep ruby/purple color, notes of blueberry, blackberry, with cassis, camphor and spring flowers, the wine is full-bodied, powerful (14.8% natural alcohol), layered with supple tannins and a long, long finish. This wine can be drunk now, or cellared for 25 or more years. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Adamvs |
2018 |
Teres Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (2/2023): The first vintage with only estate fruit, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon TERES comes from mostly younger vines and it’s a solid effort, with some smoky darker fruits, graphite, and mineral notions in a medium to full-bodied style. I would drink bottles over the coming decade. (Drink between 2023-2033). |
|
| Arietta |
2018 |
Variation One Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Variation One is positively stellar. Deep, inky and explosive, with striking depth, the 2018 is a meaty, powerful wine loaded with character. Black cherry fruit, chocolate, game, licorice and dried wild herbs infuse the 2018 with tremendous density. Co-fermented Syrah and Merlot are magical here. The 2018 opens beautifully with a bit of time in the glass, but its best days clearly lie ahead. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Arnot-Roberts |
2018 |
Peter Martin Ray Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is an incredibly intriguing wine. Irregular ripening might actually be a plus in giving the Pinot myriad shades of complexity. Floral, savory and bright, the Peter Martin Ray Pinot is so expressive and full of character. On the palate, the 2018 is perhaps a bit rustic, and yet it has so much to say. (Drink between 2020-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| David Arthur |
2018 |
Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine is a huge, dramatic wine. Dark and virile in the glass, the 2018 is endowed with terrific presence. My impression is that the Old Vine, like all of these 2018s, has really gained depth in bottle, which bodes quite well for the future. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol and licorice are all finely knit. I would give the 2018 at least a few years in the cellar, as the tannins are pretty incisive at this stage. This is a superb showing. (Drink between 2024-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| B Cellars |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Bridgeline Vyd. Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Ehrlich Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (1/2021): Moving to the single vineyard releases, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ehrlich Vineyard comes from a site in Oakville and is 100% varietal that was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Its inky purple color is followed by a gorgeous yet unevolved bouquet of red and blue fruits, graphite, toasted spices, leather, and crushed rock-like minerality. It’s more giving on the palate, offering a full-bodied, expansive texture that carries plenty of ripe, velvety tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. Give this exuberant, plush, impressive Cabernet Sauvignon 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades. (Drink between 2024-2045). |
|
| Beaux Freres |
2018 |
The Beaux Freres Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2020): Brilliant ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with hints of cola and licorice. Juicy and precise, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that take on a five-spice-powder nuance with air. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and silky, with polished tannins framing lingering red fruit and candied rose notes. 45% new oak. (Drink between 2023-2031). Josh Raynolds.
WA 94+ (12/2020): The medium ruby-purple colored 2018 Pinot Noir The Beaux Frères Vineyard opens to lush rhubarb, cranberries and loamy earth with layers of blood orange, tea leaves, charcuterie and flowers. The medium-bodied palate offers broody, concentrated fruits with fine earth and spice accents, with a seamless, silky frame and lifted finish. |
|
| Bella Oaks |
2018 |
Proprietary Red (1.5 L) |
$559 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (1/2021): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!
JD 98 (12/2023): I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkably complex, elegant wine that has so much to love. Cassis, black cherries, hints of black olive, chocolate, and ripe tobacco all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a concentrated, multi-dimensional character offering beautiful tannins and a great finish. Coming from a tiny site in Rutherford (east of Staglin) that was made famous by Joe Heitz’s single vineyard releases, this world-class beauty is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was aged in 70% new oak. It’s approachable today yet I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years if well stored. Nigel Kinsmen has been the winemaker here starting in 2017. (Drink between 2023-2053).
VM 98 (1/2021): A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$360 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): I always seem to compare great wines from this site with Haut-Brion, and I think the comparison holds here, although it’s a Haut-Brion on steroids! The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard reveals a dense purple color as well as a powerful nose of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, earth, coffee beans, and gravelly earth. All of these carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied and has a deep, layered mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. Hats off to the talented Russell Bevans for another brilliant, singular wine that’s going to keep for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046.)
WA 100 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of redcurrant jelly, Black Forest cake, blackcurrant pastilles and rose oil with suggestions of cast-iron pan, pencil lead and tilled soil plus a waft of fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it delivers an incredible mineral and perfumed red fruit firework display finish. Fans of Dr. Crane are going to LOVE this expression, masterfully crafted by Russell Bevan—an absolute must-try! |
|
|
2018 |
Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$360 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): I always seem to compare great wines from this site with Haut-Brion, and I think the comparison holds here, although it’s a Haut-Brion on steroids! The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard reveals a dense purple color as well as a powerful nose of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, earth, coffee beans, and gravelly earth. All of these carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied and has a deep, layered mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. Hats off to the talented Russell Bevans for another brilliant, singular wine that’s going to keep for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046.)
WA 100 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of redcurrant jelly, Black Forest cake, blackcurrant pastilles and rose oil with suggestions of cast-iron pan, pencil lead and tilled soil plus a waft of fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it delivers an incredible mineral and perfumed red fruit firework display finish. Fans of Dr. Crane are going to LOVE this expression, masterfully crafted by Russell Bevan—an absolute must-try! |
|
|
2018 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): Pure perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro is a vineyard selection from a great site just beside the winery, on the east side of Oakville. Offering a decadent, full-bodied, concentrated style as well as lots of red and blue fruits, spring flowers, spice, and an almost bloody, iron-like character, it’s a heavenly Cabernet that delivers both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure in spades. It already offers pleasure yet should keep for 20+ years. (Drink between 2021-2043.)
WA 99 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it's a little closed at this youthful stage, revealing glimpses at warm cassis, boysenberries and plum preserves scents with hints of charcoal, espresso, tapenade and violets. Full-bodied and rich, with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, it finishes very long and minerally. Only 109 cases were produced. Those lucky enough to secure a few bottles will want to put them away for at least 4-5 years and drink them over the next 25+ years.
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro emerges from Block 1B, which is home to some of the best dirt on the site. A stunning range of mineral and savory inflections races out of the glass, adding layers of complexity to the intense dark fruit. This is far from an easygoing 2018. Readers should plan on cellaring it for at least a few years. (Drink between 2023-2033.) |
|
| Brilliant Mistake |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2021): This estate continues to produce brilliant wines. Their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 100% Cabernet aged 21 months in 65% new oak, reveals a dense purple color as well as pretty, nuanced notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil, spice box, and flowers. I love its purity of fruit, it’s full-bodied, has wonderful tannins, and is just a beautiful wine that’s going to evolve for two decades. (Drink between 2021-2041)
WA 96 (11/2020): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color, rolling reluctantly out of the glass with tar and earthy notes to begin, giving way to compelling notions of baked plums, warm cassis and wild blueberries plus wafts of dried sage and tilled earth. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid structure of grainy tannins supporting the muscular, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and lively. 300 cases were made. |
|
| Cakebread Cellars |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (11/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 88.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.2% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1.1% Syrah, .5% Malbec, .5% Cabernet Franc and .5% Petite Sirah. Deep garnet-purple in color, it offers up vivacious scents of warm cassis, juicy blueberries and Black Forest cake with hints of dried herbs and tilled earth. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves flavors with a soft, approachable texture and plenty of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
| Cardinale |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Caymus |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ceritas |
2018 |
Elliott Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it. (Drink between 2022-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Trout Gulch Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Trout Gulch Vineyard brings together all of the elements that make the Ceritas wines so appealing. Pliant and rich, yet also classically taut, the 2018 is nevertheless a wine of total allure and sensuality. Sweet red cherry, mint, pomegranate, wild flowers and spice infuse the Trout Gulch with notable complexity, but it is the wine's overall balance that makes it one of the most compelling Pinots of the vintage. In this vintage, John and Phoebe Raytek chose to open up the canopies a bit on the own-rooted Mt. Eden clone Pinot, which exposed the fruit to more sun and gave the grapes that extra touch of richness that works so well in playing off the wine's natural tension. The 2018 is simply a magical wine. I would be thrilled to own it. (Drink between 2022-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Trout Gulch Pinot Noir Cracked Wax Capsule |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Trout Gulch Vineyard brings together all of the elements that make the Ceritas wines so appealing. Pliant and rich, yet also classically taut, the 2018 is nevertheless a wine of total allure and sensuality. Sweet red cherry, mint, pomegranate, wild flowers and spice infuse the Trout Gulch with notable complexity, but it is the wine's overall balance that makes it one of the most compelling Pinots of the vintage. In this vintage, John and Phoebe Raytek chose to open up the canopies a bit on the own-rooted Mt. Eden clone Pinot, which exposed the fruit to more sun and gave the grapes that extra touch of richness that works so well in playing off the wine's natural tension. The 2018 is simply a magical wine. I would be thrilled to own it. (Drink between 2022-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Colgin |
2018 |
Cariad Proprietary Blend |
$425 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 100 (1/2022): What a thrill it is to taste the 2018 Cariad again. Last year the 2018 was magnificent. It is all that this year too. Powerful and explosive, the 2018 is captivating from the very first taste. Healthy dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot add layers to this deep, wonderfully vibrant Napa Valley red. In a big morning tasting at Colgin spanning more than a dozen wines, the 2018 Cariad was a stand out. Superb. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
JD 98 (1/2021): The 2018 Cariad isn’t far off and has a wealth of blue fruits, musky earth, spice, and floral notes as well as a deep, rich, layered style on the palate. As with all the 2018s here, the tannin quality is incredible, and it has a plush, sexy, already complex style that’s hard to resist. It’s going to evolve for 25+ years. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. (Drink between 2021-2048)
WA 98 (3/2024): One thing the 2018s from Colgin have in common is a sense of greater tautness and freshness than the 2016s. The 2018 Cariad—a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot—adds dried sage and redcurrants to a base of black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is energetic, framed by fine-grained tannins and hints of pencil shavings on the long, elegant finish. |
|
|
2018 |
Cariad Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,050 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 100 (1/2022): What a thrill it is to taste the 2018 Cariad again. Last year the 2018 was magnificent. It is all that this year too. Powerful and explosive, the 2018 is captivating from the very first taste. Healthy dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot add layers to this deep, wonderfully vibrant Napa Valley red. In a big morning tasting at Colgin spanning more than a dozen wines, the 2018 Cariad was a stand out. Superb. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
JD 98 (1/2021): The 2018 Cariad isn’t far off and has a wealth of blue fruits, musky earth, spice, and floral notes as well as a deep, rich, layered style on the palate. As with all the 2018s here, the tannin quality is incredible, and it has a plush, sexy, already complex style that’s hard to resist. It’s going to evolve for 25+ years. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. (Drink between 2021-2048)
WA 98 (3/2024): One thing the 2018s from Colgin have in common is a sense of greater tautness and freshness than the 2016s. The 2018 Cariad—a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot—adds dried sage and redcurrants to a base of black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is energetic, framed by fine-grained tannins and hints of pencil shavings on the long, elegant finish. |
|
| Continuum |
2018 |
Proprietary Blend |
$248 |
27 |
|
| |
VM 98 (1/2022): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is another magnificent wine from the Mondavi family. Soaring and regal in its intensity, the 2018 possesses breathtaking aromatic presence and tons of the pedigree that have made wines off this site so compelling pretty much since the beginning. Vibrant dark fruit, lavender, sage, mint and mocha build into an impossibly long, silky finish. The 2018 is a flat-out stunner. Antonio Galloni.
JD 97+ (12/2021): Coming all from the Sage Mountain Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, the 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. This is classic 2018 with its dense, concentrated, slightly backward, yet full-bodied and incredibly impressive style. Offering lots of ripe black (black cherry, currant) fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and chocolate-like aromatics, it has terrific concentration, ripe, building tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. It's going to need 5-7 years of bottle age but will have upwards of three decades of overall longevity. |
|
| Cornell |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$140 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dakota Shy |
2018 |
Ten Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, explosive wine that is going to need a number of years to be at its finest. The energy and raw intensity are so pronounced. Inky dark fruit, spice, menthol, licorice and cedar add striking aromatic nuance, but it is the wine's phenomenal balance that stands out most. This is the first vintage that includes component wine aged in amphora. This is far from an easygoing 2018. Antonio Galloni.
JD 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, which always includes a splash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is incredible juice and a wine readers should seek out. Showing the quality and style of the vintage beautifully, it offers a captivating bouquet of crème de cassis, unsmoked tobacco, bouquet garni, and violets, with just a touch of foresty, earthy notes in the background. Aged 22 months in barrel (with a small amount in amphora), it’s full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with integrated acidity and a great finish. I love this wine and don't make the mistake of overlooking this while only focusing on the Maya cuvee. |
|
| Daou Vineyards |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (9/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is made entirely from free-run juice and was aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. Deep ruby in color, it offers up pure violet and Morello cherries, pipe tobacco and graphite, blueberry and blackcurrant liqueur with a classy frame of warm spices. The palate explodes with ultra-perfumed, ultra-layered black and blue fruits with ubiquitous, pixelated tannins that serve to support the plush fruit, replete with juicy freshness that continues to call you back for another sip on the very long, perfumed finish. It's a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon that will age well in the cellar but is approachable straight from the bottle.
JD 93 (9/2021): Rocking levels of blackberry and cassis fruits as well as textbook tobacco, earth, lead pencil, and camphor all emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a medium to full-bodied, seamless, elegant Cabernet with silky tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. It's going to have 10-15 years of prime drinking. (Drink between 2021-2036). |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2018 |
D2 |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (3/2022): Another great offering by DeLille Director of Winemaking Jason Gorski, this new edition (2018) of D2 blends 67% Merlot with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Malbec and Petit Verdot. Right away this Right Bank inspired wine exudes class with its herbal and green bell pepper undertones that mingle alongside loganberry, and chocolate covered espresso bean flavors. The finesse and weight of the wine bring you back to the glass for more. Finishing long, this is already a nicely evolved wine that is great to savor now and over the next ten years to come. Owen Bargreen. |
|
|
2018 |
Doyenne |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (3/2022): The 2018 Doyenne is already beautifully evolved at the three-year-mark. A Provençale-style blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers plenty of viscosity and weight on the palate. Fresh and beautifully textured, with black cherry, black olive tapenade, boysenberry and loamy soil notes, this is an outstanding effort that will continue to impress over the next decade. (Drink between 2021-2031). Owen Bargreen.
JD 93 (5/2021): A blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon (this is the estate’s take on a Provence Red), the 2018 Doyenne has beautiful blackberry and blueberry fruits as well as medium to full-bodied richness, a plush, layered, expansive texture, ripe tannins, and classy spicy, peppery aromas and flavors. It's another beauty from this team to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
WA 92 (10/2021): Displaying a deep magenta core with a purple edge, the 2018 Doyenne is a blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon. The concentrated nose offers expressive aromas of blackberry preserves with elements of dusty violets, roasted herbs and hints of cinnamon and spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is balanced with a firm tannic edge and ends with a dusty and complex finish. The blend was bottle-aged for six months after resting for 20 months in French oak, 44% new. |
|
|
2018 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (5/2021): All Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (78% new French oak), the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags showed brilliantly, offering a Pauillac-like nose of smoky red and blue fruits, lead pencil, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and concentrated, it has lots of velvety tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. It ranks with the top Cabernets from the appellation and is a stunning wine. Drink bottles over the coming 20-25 years.
WA 94+ (10/2021): Displaying a magenta core, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags blossoms in the glass with elements of cinnamon-spiced cherries, crème de cassis and plum reduction with a floral and dusty essence. Medium to full-bodied, this 100% Cabernet is ripe with a firm tannic edge while offering flavors of blackberry jus and a steady mineral-laced sensation across the mid-palate. The wine glides to an elongated finish with lasting flavors of graphite, black plum and dusty flowers.
VM 94 (3/2022): Already quite nicely evolved, the 2018 Four Flags evokes black tea, exotic spice and chocolate aromas alongside a great wall of dark fruits. Full-bodied and intense, with sagebrush and scorched earth undertones, this is drinking beautifully right now and will continue to cellar well for another 15 years - or more! (Drink between 2021-2035). Owen Bargreen. |
|
|
2018 |
Minuit Proprietary Blend |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (5/2021): The 2018 Minuit comes from the Yakima Valley and is 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new French oak. This inky hued effort has a great nose of ripe black and blue fruits as well as liquid violets, charred earth, and graphite. Beautifully textured and full-bodied, with an expansive yet still elegant, seamless texture, this stunning Malbec is up with the finest expressions of the grape from Washington.
VM 93 (3/2022): The 2018 Minuit blends 70% Malbec with the reminder Cabernet Sauvignon. It exudes class, offering blackberry and black tea tones that meld with the serious combination of tension and weight, and finishes exceedingly long. While highly gratifying to enjoy now, this has at least a decade of life ahead of it. (Drink between 2021-2035). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 91 (10/2021): A blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Minuit displays a deep opaque core with an electric pink rim. Exploding from the glass come aromas of Chambord, black raspberry reduction and plum compote with cinnamon spices. Medium to full-bodied, the juicy palate offers a broad and structured mouthfeel with buttressing tannins that lift the mid-palate. The wind concludes with a long, lingering and ever-evolving finish. |
|
|
2018 |
Red Willow Vyd. Red Wine |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (5/2021): A Cabernet Franc-dominated wine, the 2018 Red Willow Blend checks in as 57% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, all brought up in 36% new French oak. It's another gorgeous 2018 from this team revealing incredible purity and elegance as well as richness. Blue fruits, forest floor, flowers, and graphite are just some of the nuances and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant texture and a slightly bloody, salty character on the finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's an awesome Cabernet Franc.
VM 94 (3/2022): The 2018 Red Wine Red Willow is a silky, elegant wine that blends 57% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it offers florals combined with sagebrush, blackberry compote and black licorice underpinnings. Fresh, vibrant and silky-smooth on the attack, this seamlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Highly refined yet showing good weight, this outstanding Left Bank-inspired red blend will satisfy for at least another decade to come. (Drink between 2021-2034). Owen Bargreen. |
|
|
2018 |
Signature Syrah |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (3/2022): The beautiful 2018 Syrah Signature includes a touch of Viognier (2%). It’s very fresh and somewhat hedonistic with its massive dark fruit profile, and layers of dark chocolate shavings, black tea and exotic spices all add to the intrigue. This has the stuffing and finesse to last at least another decade. (Drink between 2021-2032). Owen Bargreen.
JD 93 (5/2021): Including 2% Viognier, the 2018 Syrah Signature offers a vivid purple hue to go with rock star notes of cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with smoked earth, graphite, peppered game, and background oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, it has enough background oak (and a kiss of char) to warrant 2-3 years of bottle age, and it should easily keep for a decade. I love its purity of this classic Syrah.
WA 92 (10/2021): Opaque at its core with a purple rim and deeply staining tears, the 2018 Syrah Signature opens with aromas of spiced plum compote, blackberry just and spiced black cherry skin before soft notions of crushed black pepper and wilted violets waft from the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is balanced on the palate, giving way to layers of dusty, black-fruited essences with fine-grained tannins. The Syrah ends with a delightfully lingering finish that will continue to be food-friendly for the next 7-8 years. |
|
| Detert |
2018 |
Cabernet Franc (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): Detert's 2018 Cabernet Franc is fabulous. It may very well be the single most expressive and distinctive Cabernet Franc in the valley. Deep and inky in the glass, the Detert Franc is marked by soaring aromatics and beams of saline minerality that distinguish it from the Cabernet Sauvignon in this range. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, menthol, licorice and cloves build into the huge, resonant finish. (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Dominus |
2018 |
Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,738.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): The flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot brought up in 40% new French oak. With an essence of Cabernet-like character in its darker currants, green tobacco, cedar, graphite, and floral aromas and flavors, this gorgeous wine is full-bodied and has bright yet integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s just gorgeously put together and a magical, flawless wine. It's going to take a decade to hit maturity but will evolve for 40-50 years in cold cellars. It is as good as it gets in classic, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon!
JS 100 (5/2021): This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar.
WA 99+ (2/2021): Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Dominus slowly emerges from the glass with profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of violets, star anise, cracked black pepper, raspberry leaves and pencil lead, plus a touch of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit layers, creating a beguiling sense of richness that is beautifully countered by invigorating freshness and great poise, framed by super ripe, plush tannins and beautiful tension, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note and, finally, lots of mineral sparks. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mind-blowing transformation over the next 30 years+.
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Dominus is wild and exotic from the first taste. Lifted aromatics make a strong opening impression. There is something exuberant about the 2018 that is hard to describe. The 2018 is not a huge Dominus, nor is it massively structured, but the intensity of the flavors is remarkable just the same. Dark raspberry, spice, leather and cedar are some of the many notes that open over time. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Emeritus Vineyards |
2018 |
Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Pinot Hill Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Fe Wines |
2018 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$265 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (1/2021): The flagship is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Fe, and it's 100% Spring Mountain Cabernet. As with the Red Wine Blend, it has a notable freshness in its aromatics and offers impressive blue fruits, cedar, forest floor, bouquet garni, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. These carry to a concentrated, full-bodied mountain Cabernet that has terrific mid-palate depth, building tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's structured and tannic, and needs 4-5 years of bottle age, but this beauty is going to age like a great Bordeaux and keep for 30 years or more. (Drink between 2025-2058).
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from a six-acre vineyard on Spring Mountain just outside of St. Helena planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Rich, powerful and structured, with tremendous nuance, the 2018 hits all the right notes. A whole range of feral, savory and floral notes add striking aromatic nuance, with beams of mountain tannin that give the wine energy. Fe is one of the most exciting debuts of the last few years. What a knock-out! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Forge Cellars |
2018 |
Bellows Vyd. Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Leidnfrost Pinot Noir |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Tango Oaks Pinot Noir |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Galerie |
2018 |
Pleinair Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (1/2021): Made by Gianna Kelly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair comes from a handful of vineyards and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 65% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a rich, concentrated, nicely balanced 2018 with loads of ripe dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco aromatics, medium to full body, a solid spine of acidity, and just wonderful overall balance and purity, which is the hallmark of this great vintage. Building nicely with time in the glass, it shines for its balance, elegance, and purity more so than sheer power, and it’s already a joy to drink. Nevertheless, it should easily evolve for 15-20 years. This smoking value is well worth seeking out. (Drink between 2021-2041) |
|
| Maggy Hawk |
2018 |
Unforgettable Pinot Noir |
$59.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Unforgettable is built on texture and creaminess. It offers a bit more mid-palate structure than some of the other wines in the range. The mix of mostly Pommard and Wadensvil clones works so well here. Silky and open-knit, the 2018 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Institution |
2018 |
Erba Vyd. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (1/2021): Coming from a steep, higher elevation vineyard and made by Russell Bevan, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Erba Vineyard offers a smoky bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, smoke tobacco, chocolate, charred barrel, and rocky, earthy minerality. This rich, full-bodied, powerful 2018 has some chewy tannins and a dense, backward, mineral-laced style that's going to benefit from bottle age. Do your best to hide bottles for 3-5 years, and it should evolve for two decades. (Drink between 2024-2046). |
|
| Italics Winegrowers |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Placemark Red Wine |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Kenzo Estate |
2018 |
Suzu Sparkling Rose |
$136 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2018 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Charles Krug |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Krupp Brothers Estates |
2018 |
Veraison Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (1/2021): Based on 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the base 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beauty, offering classic currant and mulled cherry fruits as well as plenty of cedarwood, tobacco, and spice aromas and flavors. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with some grippy tannins and a classy finish. It's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20. |
|
|
2018 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (Black Label) is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in French oak, 56% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with scents of black currant cordial, kirsch, red currant jelly and wild blueberries plus suggestions of dark chocolate, bay leaves and pencil lead with a touch of cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has loads of delicately framed nuances among the red and black fruits with a soft texture and energetic finish.
VM 95 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo has really come together nicely over the last year. A dark, brooding wine, the Dr. Olmo is imbued with so much character. Black cherry, plum, scorched earth, leather and game reveal a wine of considerable nuance and complexity. There is so much going on here. The 2018 finishes with notable substance and feeling of sheer pedigree that is impossible to miss. (Drink between 2026-2040). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$90 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2021): The 2018 Firebelle (Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon) is gracious and beautifully lifted in the glass. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, cedar and tobacco are all laced together in this attractive, mid-weight red. This is an unusually elegant, restrained style for Calistoga, where the wines are often bigger. Savory Cabernet aromatics and the bright acids of 2018 linger. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 LMV Salon, Larkmead's Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is terrific. Black cherry, mocha, spice, new leather, licorice and lavender infuse the 2018 with striking depth and character while remaining very much in the style of the year at Larkmead. Bright acids perk things up nicely. This is such a pretty wine. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Solari Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is all Cabernet and was brought up in mostly new French oak. A gorgeous wine from this estate, it has incredible notes of blackcurrants, camphor, new leather, and dried tobacco. It takes some air yet gets even more complex, with ample licorice and loamy soil notes developing as it sits in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, lots of underlying structure, and a great, great finish. It's going to need 5-7 years for these tannins to melt away, but this is a beauty.
WA 94+ (11/2020): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) was aged in French oak, 92% new. It sports a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant notions of boysenberries, black and red cherry preserves and black currant pastilles with hints of garrigue, sautéed herbs and tobacco leaf plus a waft of charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing, features a racy backbone and has finely grained tannins that support the intense red and black fruits, finishing with refreshing herbal lift.
VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is laced with the essence of wild cherry, tobacco, licorice and a whole range of earthy, savory notes. Dark and inward, but medium in body, the 2018 is a bit tightly wound today. I would give it a few years to soften. Like all the 2018s at Larkmead, the Solari is a wine of transparency and nuance. Its resonance is more implied than overtly stated. (Drink between 2026-2040). |
|
| Paul Lato |
2018 |
Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vyd. Grenache |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 93 (8/2020): All destemmed Grenache aged 22 months in 30% new barrels, the 2018 Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard offers up a juicy bouquet of Bing cherries, black raspberries, sappy herbs, licorice, and ground pepper. Nicely textured, medium to full-bodied, and silky on the palate, with great tannins, drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.
VM 93 (8/2020): The 2018 Grenache Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard is gorgeous. Bright red cherry fruit, mint and blood orange all grace this super-expressive, mid-weight wine. Bien Nacido is a famous site, and that pedigree definitely comes through in the wine's energy and character. (Drink between 2020-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2018 |
Rising Tides Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (12/2020): Opaque ruby. Ripe red/blue fruits, potpourri, incense and exotic spices on the deeply perfumed, expressive nose. Stains the palate with sweet boysenberry, Chambord and floral pastille flavors, which are sharpened by energetic mineral and white pepper flourishes. Shows serious depth and power but comes off lively and delivers strong floral thrust on the extremely long, spicy, gently tannic finish. (Drink between 2023-2033). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2018 |
Chester Kidder Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$110 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (7/2022): The 2018 Chester-Kidder Red Wine is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 30 months in 85% new French oak. It's another brilliant wine from this team and has vibrant plum and darker, almost blue fruits as well as spicy oak, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth aromas and flavors. Balanced and medium to full-bodied, with a terrific sense of freshness as well as building tannins, it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and have two decades of longevity. |
|
|
2018 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (5/2021): The classic 2018 Feather (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from the Weinbau and Wallula Vineyards and spent 22 months in 90% new French oak. It has a wonderfully pure nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, dried flowers, and tobacco that carries to a medium to full-bodied, seamless Cabernet with a wonderful sense of purity, balance, and elegance, all while bringing plenty of fruit and structure. I actually like it today, yet it has enough tannins to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and should be long lived. (Drink between 2023-2038) |
|
| MacDonald |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$850 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (1/2021): Flirting with perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from this tiny family estate shows the pure, elegant, yet concentrated style of this vintage to a T. Darker currants, cassis, olives, violets, and spring flower notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, ultra-classic, flawlessly balanced Cabernet. The tannins are present yet polished, it has wonderfully integrated acidity, and is one of those wines that keeps you coming back to the glass. Count yourself lucky if you’re able to snag any bottles. It will ideally be given 4-6 years of bottle age and it’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.
VM 97+ (1/2021): The 2018 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon is positively stellar. Crème de cassis, blueberry, lavender, graphite, spice, sage and licorice all open effortlessly in the glass. At this stage, the 2018 reminds me of the 2012 in its mid-weight structure, but with darker fruit and a more somber personality. Like the 2012 has, I expect the 2018 will flesh out in the middle over the next handful of years. It is a super-impressive wine with a bright, bright future that only slightly misses the thrilling heights of some previous editions. Then again, brothers Graeme and Alex MacDonald have set a very high bar since they started bottling their wine a little more than a decade ago. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (3X750ML) |
$2,400 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (1/2021): Flirting with perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from this tiny family estate shows the pure, elegant, yet concentrated style of this vintage to a T. Darker currants, cassis, olives, violets, and spring flower notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, ultra-classic, flawlessly balanced Cabernet. The tannins are present yet polished, it has wonderfully integrated acidity, and is one of those wines that keeps you coming back to the glass. Count yourself lucky if you’re able to snag any bottles. It will ideally be given 4-6 years of bottle age and it’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.
VM 97+ (1/2021): The 2018 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon is positively stellar. Crème de cassis, blueberry, lavender, graphite, spice, sage and licorice all open effortlessly in the glass. At this stage, the 2018 reminds me of the 2012 in its mid-weight structure, but with darker fruit and a more somber personality. Like the 2012 has, I expect the 2018 will flesh out in the middle over the next handful of years. It is a super-impressive wine with a bright, bright future that only slightly misses the thrilling heights of some previous editions. Then again, brothers Graeme and Alex MacDonald have set a very high bar since they started bottling their wine a little more than a decade ago. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Maybach |
2018 |
Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$174 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (1/2021): Looking at the two 2018s, the 2018 Amoenus comes from the Blossom Creek Vineyard outside of Calistoga and was brought up in new French oak. Both 2018s are concentrated, powerful wines. The Amoenus possesses a beautiful sense of freshness and purity, yet backs that up with a huge, opulent profile that carries incredible black and blue fruits. Showing more chocolate, tobacco, graphite, and foresty, earthy notes with air, this full-bodied beauty has ample ripe, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It certainly shows the more brooding, backward, powerful style of the vintage and is built for the long haul. Hide bottle for 5-7 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 40 years or so. |
|
| Memento Mori |
2018 |
Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (1/2021): Lastly, I was blown away by the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard, which comes from a great vineyard in Oakville. Beautiful blue fruits, liquid violets, graphite, and white flower notes all emerge from the glass, and it builds beautifully on the palate, with a full-bodied, layered, seamless texture. It’s one of those wines that just screams Cabernet and offers a terrific sense of density and richness yet still just glides across the palate, with no heaviness or rusticity. This is a gorgeous Cabernet in every way. Give bottles 3-5 years if you can and enjoy over the following two decades or more. Hats off to Sam Kaplan for a tour de force lineup of Napa Valley Cabernet! (Drink between 2024-2047) |
|
| Meyer Family Cellars |
2018 |
Peterson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Myriad |
2018 |
100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2020): Even better than the Esther Block, the 2018 Syrah Las Madres Vineyard 100% Whole Cluster offers beautiful notes of jammy blackberries, mulberries, smoked game, ground pepper, and violets. These all flow to a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has a wealth of beautiful California fruit, present yet ripe, sweet tannins, and a fabulous mouthfeel and finish. It’s slightly more rounded and opulent on the palate compared to the Esther Block yet still doesn’t lack for structure. Give it a year or three and enjoy over the following decade. It’s another wine from Mike Smith that has classic Syrah characteristics yet stays firmly planted in California. It’s a beautiful wine. (Drink between 2022-2032).
WA 93 (11/2020): Made from 100% Syrah and 100% whole cluster, the 2018 Syrah Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It drifts effortlessly out of the glass with the most beautiful perfume of red roses, fragrant earth, bouquet garni, Ceylon tea, Sichuan pepper and star anise with a core of black cherry compote, blueberry pie and dark chocolate. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with fragrant black fruit layers, framed by ripe, rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and lifted. A real head-turner! |
|
|
2018 |
100% Whole Cluster Sangiacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (2/2020): From the same vineyard in the Petaluma Gap yet not destemmed, the 2018 Syrah Sangiacomo Vineyard 100% Whole Cluster is an incredible wine that shows how compelling cool-climate Syrah from California can be. Revealing a medium ruby, slightly translucent color to go with Côte Rôtie-like raspberry and framboise fruits are interwoven with lots of spring flowers, sagebrush, white pepper, and hints of game, it’s fabulously balanced, medium-bodied, and ethereally textured on the palate. This beautiful wine never puts a foot wrong and while stunning today, will evolve for over a decade. There are less than 100 cases made, so there’s not much to go around, but it’s well worth the extra effort to track down. (Drink between 2020-2030). |
|
|
2018 |
Esther Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2020): The Syrah Las Madres Vineyard Esther Block always shows well, and the 2018 is no exception. Revealing a medium ruby/purple hue as well as a Côte Rôtie like notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, peppered game, and sappy underbrush, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a tight, sappy texture, ripe tannins, good acidity, and an excellent finish. It’s a rockingly good wine that needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will impressive for over a decade. (Drink between 2022-2032). |
|
|
2018 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (2/2020): From a site in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast, the 2018 Syrah Sangiacomo is all Syrah brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. It’s another beautiful Syrah from this estate that has a wild, gamey style yet still shows rocking levels of California fruit and texture. Black raspberries, smoked herbs, bouquet garni, new leather, and ample white pepper notes all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has ripe tannins, and an exceptional finish. It’s ready to go with just a short decant and is going offer load of pleasure over the coming 7-8 years, probably longer. (Drink between 2020-2028). |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2018 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 12 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$585 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (8/2021): As with the 2017, the 2018 No 12 Cumulus Vineyard is as good as wine gets. Based on 47.7% Syrah, 23.4% Grenache, 21.3% Petite Sirah, 5.6% Mourvèdre, and the remaining 2% a mix of white varieties, aged 32 months in 34% new barrels, its vivid purple hue gives way to a full-bodied blockbuster of a wine that’s loaded with cassis and blue fruits as well as notes of gravelly earth, graphite, ground pepper, and spring flowers. Flawlessly balanced, deep, super-rich, and unctuous, yet with incredible purity, give bottles a year of two and enjoy over the following 15 years or more.
WA 99 (8/2021): This cuvee comes entirely from the Krankl’s “home” vineyard—the Cumulus vineyard in Oak View, just south and inland from Santa Barbara, on the road to Ojai. There are now just over 12.5 acres planted at Cumulus. The first plantings of Syrah, Grenache and Roussanne took place in 2004. A little more Grenache was planted in 2005. Then in 2008, small blocks of Petite Manseng, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah were added, including 3.5 acres on its own roots.
VM 95 (10/2021): The 2018 No. 12 Cumulus Vineyard is a big wine. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice are all dialed up. The tannins remain a bit coarse, which makes the wine feel not totally put together. Perhaps the brutal heat spikes in July caused a slight stoppage in ripening, or it could be the stems aren't totally integrated just yet. To be sure, the 2018 doesn't quite have the same textural lushness of most vintages. It will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming years. The 2018 was done with 41% whole clusters and spent 32 months in French oak, 34% new. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2021): I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn release. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.
VM 98 (10/2021): The 2018 Touriga Nacional – Número Quatro is sourced from Elain and Manfred Krankl's estate vineyard in Oak View. It is a wine of tremendous character and personality. Sadly, production remains tiny, at just over 130 cases. Copious black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice build in an deep, powerful wine that is loaded with personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2021): I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn release. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.
VM 98 (10/2021): The 2018 Touriga Nacional – Número Quatro is sourced from Elain and Manfred Krankl's estate vineyard in Oak View. It is a wine of tremendous character and personality. Sadly, production remains tiny, at just over 130 cases. Copious black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice build in an deep, powerful wine that is loaded with personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Nickel and Nickel |
2018 |
Air Show Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
21 |
|
| |
|
| Occidental |
2018 |
Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (7/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental comes mostly from younger vines at the Occidental property but is made with the same attention to detail as the other wines in the portfolio, using free-run juice. Its nose is an aromatic well, offering crushed blueberries, charcuterie, Earl Grey tea leaves, graphite, saline, bitter orange peel and potpourri aromas. In the mouth, it explodes with lush fruits that give way after their initial rush to bitter, citrusy, minerally accents. It has a fine grain, seamless freshness and long, layered finish. It's enjoyable now but will age well over the next five to eight-plus years.
VM 94 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone Occidental is a truly remarkable wine. Maybe that is the vintage, or the added complexity the vines are acquiring with time, but the 2018 Freestone Occidental makes me incredibly curious to taste the rest of the 2018s. Bright, focused and beautifully sculpted, the 2018 is a wine of total elegance and finesse. Moreover, it captures the savory, energetic, saline style that is so typical of this part of the Sonoma Coast. (Drink between 2023-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Occidental Station Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$159 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (7/2021): Medium ruby in color, the 2018 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Vineyard has intense, liquid-like raspberry and boysenberry aromas, layered with notes of dusty earth, Earl Grey tea leaves, salted licorice and graphite, continuing to blossom with time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate merges intense, detailed fruit character with seamless freshness and a finely pixelated texture. It finishes with tremendous detail and perfumed flavors that seem to hang on forever in the mouth. Wow!
VM 98 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Occidental Station is a dense, packed Pinot. Its huge core of fruit gives the Occidental Station tons of inner strength. Readers will have to be patient. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of inky red fruit, blood orange, exotic spice aromas and flavors, with swaths of tannin that wrap it all together. As always, the Occidental Station is quite a different beast from the other wines in the range, as it emerges from a site about fifteen miles from the winery that is quite a bit warmer and therefore lends a decidedly more exotic, ripe personality to the flavors. Even so, there is plenty of supporting structure and minerality to balance things out. (Drink between 2024-2038). Antonio Galloni.
JD 97 (7/2021): Slightly deeper hued, the 2018 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Vineyard has a rich, spicy nose of cassis and ripe black cherries supported by beautiful bouquet garni and floral nuances. It has background oak, medium to full body, ripe yet building tannins, and just a beautiful purity as well as freshness that keeps you coming back to the glass. It has enough tannins and acidity to benefit from short-term bottle age, but it has a rounded, elegant texture as well and is far from unapproachable today. It should have 15 years of longevity. (Drink between 2021-2036). |
|
| Opus One |
2018 |
Proprietary Blend (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,049.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (10/2021): Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.
WA 98 (2/2021): Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.
JD 97 (4/2021): The 2018 Opus One is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This deep purple-hued effort leans to lively, fresher side of the vintage but has a brilliant, utterly classic style in its crème de cassis and blue-tinged fruit as well as notes of lead pencil, candied violets, damp earth, and chocolate-like nuances. With a Pomerol-like elegance and purity, it's medium to full-bodied and has wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It plays in the finesse-driven end of the spectrum yet is concentrated and seamless, with serious length. It offers pleasure today but should benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar, and my money is on it evolving for 30 years or more.
VM 95 (1/2021): The 2018 Opus One is incredibly elegant and polished, right out of the bottle. Silky tannins and lifted, perfumed aromatics add to an impression of finesse that distinguishes the 2018 from some of the preceding vintages in a pretty big way. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 gains body with a bit of time in bottle. It is pretty rare for Opus One to be so approachable at this stage. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Proprietary Blend (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,379.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 99 (10/2021): Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.
WA 98 (2/2021): Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.
JD 97 (4/2021): The 2018 Opus One is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This deep purple-hued effort leans to lively, fresher side of the vintage but has a brilliant, utterly classic style in its crème de cassis and blue-tinged fruit as well as notes of lead pencil, candied violets, damp earth, and chocolate-like nuances. With a Pomerol-like elegance and purity, it's medium to full-bodied and has wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It plays in the finesse-driven end of the spectrum yet is concentrated and seamless, with serious length. It offers pleasure today but should benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar, and my money is on it evolving for 30 years or more.
VM 95 (1/2021): The 2018 Opus One is incredibly elegant and polished, right out of the bottle. Silky tannins and lifted, perfumed aromatics add to an impression of finesse that distinguishes the 2018 from some of the preceding vintages in a pretty big way. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 gains body with a bit of time in bottle. It is pretty rare for Opus One to be so approachable at this stage. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Outpost |
2018 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (1/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color, prancing out of the glass with flamboyant notes of stewed plums, crème de cassis and baked blackberries, plus touches of bay leaves, lavender, unsmoked cigars, pencil lead and tilled earth. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid foundation of firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long and lifted.
JD 95 (1/2021): A big step up, the single vineyard 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard has beautiful cassis and blue fruits as well as plenty of foresty notes, pine, bay leaf, chocolate, and earthy minerality. This classic Howell Mountain Cabernet is medium to full-bodied and has a focused, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's going to evolve for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046).
VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is loaded with crème de cassis, chocolate, spice, licorice and sweet French oak. Floral overtones emerge over time, adding lift and a hugely appealing upper register to this luscious, opulent Cabernet. Polished, racy and silky to the core, the True Cabernet is a winner from Outpost. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Patz & Hall |
2018 |
Alder Springs Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| La Pelle |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2021): The flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from a blend of the Ceniza, Red Hen, and Alluvium vineyards and is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It saw slightly more new oak, spending 21 months in 80% new barrels. A classic Napa Valley nose of crème de cassis, toasted spice, graphite, unsmoked tobacco, and chocolate gives way to a full-bodied 2018 offering gorgeous purity of fruit, ripe, velvety tannins, a great mid-palate, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This is another magical wine from this estate that has plenty of upfront appeal yet is going to evolve gracefully for two decades or more. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2018 |
Backus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (12/2021): In contrast to the more open and seamless Insignia, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a beast of a wine based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec that saw the same two years in new barrels. More blackcurrants, black cherries, mulberries, graphite, crushed stone, lead pencil, and tobacco notes define the nose, and it's full-bodied, with an incredible depth of fruit and richness on the mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. With air, it picks up this intriguing, burning ember, iron, almost Hermitage-like character, yet it shuts down with extended air and becomes more tannic and unyielding. It's a brilliant wine, but the cellar is going to be your friend. It should hit full maturity in about a decade and will evolve for 30-40 years. 2,900 cases. (Drink between 2031-2061).
WA 96+ (7/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. Deep purple-black colored, it soars out of the glass with notes of plum preserves, baked black cherries and crème de cassis, plus nuances of pencil shavings, bouquet garni, crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars with a touch of cardamom. The palate is full-bodied and seductively rich, delivering mouth-coating black and blue fruit preserves with loads of exotic spice accents and a velvety texture, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift.
VM 96 (1/2022): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a very pretty wine, but it also comes across as a bit compact. There is plenty of energy and drive if not quite the volume that is such a signature of this Oakville Cabernet. Time in the glass brings out layers of dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender and mint. The 2018 is a gorgeous wine in the making. Readers should expect a mid-weight, relatively restrained vintage of this flagship Phelps Cabernet. (Drink between 2025-2040). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,089.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (3/2021): Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now.
WA 97+ (7/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
JD 95-97 (1/2021): Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.
VM 93-96 (1/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a beautiful wine. It is also quite delicate and less bombastic than some recent vintages have been. Its hard to tell if that is just the personality of the year or if changes in farming and/or winemaking are also at play. I suppose time will tell. In the meantime, the 2018 is gorgeous Insignia with tons of potential. Blueberry jam, spice, menthol, dried herbs and licorice all develop in the glass, all lifted by the salivating acids of a long, cool growing season. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,547.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (3/2021): Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now.
WA 97+ (7/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
JD 95-97 (1/2021): Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.
VM 93-96 (1/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a beautiful wine. It is also quite delicate and less bombastic than some recent vintages have been. Its hard to tell if that is just the personality of the year or if changes in farming and/or winemaking are also at play. I suppose time will tell. In the meantime, the 2018 is gorgeous Insignia with tons of potential. Blueberry jam, spice, menthol, dried herbs and licorice all develop in the glass, all lifted by the salivating acids of a long, cool growing season. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,601.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (3/2021): Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now.
WA 97+ (7/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
JD 95-97 (1/2021): Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.
VM 93-96 (1/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a beautiful wine. It is also quite delicate and less bombastic than some recent vintages have been. Its hard to tell if that is just the personality of the year or if changes in farming and/or winemaking are also at play. I suppose time will tell. In the meantime, the 2018 is gorgeous Insignia with tons of potential. Blueberry jam, spice, menthol, dried herbs and licorice all develop in the glass, all lifted by the salivating acids of a long, cool growing season. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2018 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 95 (1/2022): Pride's flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is going to need a number of years to come around. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice, lavender and mocha all open with a bit of time. This deceptively mid-weight Cabernet packs plenty of mountain punch. The Reserve is not an obvious wine, especially in comparison with what these wines were like a few years ago. (Drink between 2025-2038). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94+ (5/2022): Lastly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve can be thought of as the top cuvée, and in 2018 it's 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Its deep purple hue is followed by a powerful, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that builds beautifully in the glass, with ripe yet present tannins and integrated acidity all giving it an age-worthy feel. Classic crème de cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and tobacco all define the aromatics. The balance is spot on, but like many 2018s, the cellar is going to be your friend. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years, and it's going to drink brilliantly for two decades. (Drink between 2026-2047). |
|
| Provenance Vineyards |
2018 |
Fortitude Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$142 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (8/2020): From a great site outside of St. Helena, there are 175 cases of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, which has a killer bouquet of black raspberries and crème de cassis intermixed with beautiful spring flowers, unsmoked tobacco, and spice. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and with incredible elegance and purity, it offers building tannins, flawless balance, and stunning length. A gorgeous wine in every sense, it's going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and just sing for 20-25 years or more. (Drink between 2023-2048).
VM 91 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is a wild, potent wine. Inky dark fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, spice, espresso and game give the Piedras its decidedly exotic personality. The 2018 is at once intensely ripe and savory, with strong oak accents that add sweetness. Those elements don't feel fully meshed together at this stage. (Drink between 2022-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Reverie |
2018 |
Special Reserve Proprietary Blend Lightly Nicked Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2018 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (2/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga is deep garnet-purple colored, charging out of the gate with savory notions of sautéed herbs, beef drippings and truffles with a core of crème de cassis , baked plums and mulberries. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it has a solid backbone of firm, velvety tannins and really compelling earthy undertones to all that decadent black fruit, finishing long and layered. |
|
|
2018 |
Herb Lamb Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (1/2021): Lastly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard is a true superstar in the vintage and reminds me of a great vintage of Château Margaux with its exotic bouquet of blue fruits, sandalwood, spring flowers, menthol, and lead pencil shavings. These all carry to a powerful, full-bodied 2018 with a weightless texture, building tannins, flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. It's not a wine that hits you over the head with fruit, but it builds incrementally on the palate and has perfect balance as well as the class and depth to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25-30 years. (Drink between 2025-2056)
VM 98 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard is distinguished in this range by its strong aromatic signatures. Blood orange, sage, mint, licorice, pine and raspberry jam are all beautifully lifted. In the glass, the Herb Lamb is powerful and deep, yet also a bit reticent today. I would give it a few years to soften. There is so much going on here. Herb Lamb is a complex site divided into three macro areas. Sadly, much, if not all, of the property was lost in the 2020 fires. (Drink between 2024-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (2/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored, offering up gregarious scents of black cherry pie, warm cassis, garrigue and kirsch with emerging hints of blackberries, wild blueberries and roses. Full-bodied, concentrated and wonderfully muscular in the mouth, it has great tension and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and earthy. |
|
|
2018 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from a single vineyard in Oakville. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a fair bit of swirling to reveal tantalizing scents of boysenberries, chocolate-covered cherries and crushed black and red currants with hints of menthol, tobacco leaf, violets, cinnamon stick and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with perfumed black fruits, backed up by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. Just stunning. Give it a good 4-5 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20 years+.
JD 97+ (1/2021): From a great site in Oakville, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard boasts a rich, full-bodied style offering ripe, polished tannins, terrific balance, and textbook Cabernet notes of ripe black currants, cassis, smoked tobacco, loamy soil, and chocolate. I love its overall purity as well as its balance, and while it's already accessible today, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20 years in cold cellars. (Drink between 2023-2045).
VM 97+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is magnificent. Strong savory and mineral notes add aromatic complexity to play off the dense, plush fruit that is typical of these wines. Intriguing and complex, the Lore captures all of the magic of this site in Eastern Oakville. The tannins need a bit of time to soften. Even in the early going, the Lore is superb. It is, as always, the most structured Cabernet in the range. (Drink between 2025-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Saddleback Cellars |
2018 |
Old Vines Zinfandel |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2018 |
Scherrer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (8/2023): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Scherrer Vineyard opens with intense, penetrating aromatics. Intensely earthy and savory, the Scherrer Vineyard Cabernet packs plenty of punch in its dark fruit, leather, game, tobacco, incense and herb flavors. I would prefer to drink this over the next handful of years, although it has the stuffing to go longer in a cold cellar. (Drink between 2023-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Schrader |
2018 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (1/2021): This “Schrader” label comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C2 block. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a wonderfully perfumed nose of potpourri, baking spices and dusty soil over a core of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and flamboyant Indian spices. Full-bodied, super firm with super ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it delivers layer upon layer of black fruit preserves and exotic spices, finishing long and beautifully poised. Give it a good 3-5 years in bottle to really strut its stuff and drink it over the next 30+ years.
JD 98+ (1/2021): A powerful, backward, and concentrated wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader exhibits a dense purple/plum color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco leaf. It takes plenty of air to show at its best, and I suspect 3-4 years of bottle age are warranted, but this full-bodied, multi-dimensional 2018 has flawless balance, building tannins, and is just loaded with potential. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2018 |
Southing Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Southing is laced with bold dark-fleshed fruit, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha. A wine of volume and depth, the 2018 offers tons of allure, with plush contours and impeccable overall balance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Ten Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Ten is a classic Sea Smoke wine. Dark, ample and enveloping, the 2018 possesses notable richness and volume right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and sweet spice all meld together, framed by supple, silky tannins that add considerable immediacy and overall appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Seaver Vineyards |
2018 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
NLS Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Senses |
2018 |
Day One Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Silver Oak |
2018 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "H/W Harris Williams" engraved on bottle |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Slacker (Linne Calodo) |
2018 |
Self Esteem Scuffed Label |
$35 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Sleight of Hand |
2018 |
Psychedelic Stoney Vine Vyd. Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2020): Made from 50% whole cluster, the 2018 Syrah The Psychedelic displays a dark ruby core with purple highlights on the rim. Aromas of savory blackberry, black pepper tones, cured meat and smoked cherries waft out of the glass with dried herbs, olives and warmed stones. Full-bodied, the palate is savory with bright, energetic acidity, vibrant and lifted black raspberry flavors, cracked pepper and crushed rock. The wine continues to unpack and unfold while it evolves over the long, winding, mineral-laced and spicy finish. It’s delicious. |
|
| Somnium |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2018 |
Fay Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Fay Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Heart of Fay Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| T-Vine |
2018 |
Black Sears Vyd. Zinfandel |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tensley Wines |
2018 |
Colson Canyon Vyd. Syrah |
$46.75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| The Third Twin (Sine Qua Non) |
2018 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$195 |
8 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar. |
|
|
2018 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$215 |
7 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar. |
|
| Three Wine Company |
2018 |
Old Vines Field Blend |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Turnbull |
2018 |
Analogy Red Wine |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Upchurch Vineyard |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Verite |
2018 |
Le Desir (1.5 L) |
$614.25 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (7/2021): The Cabernet Franc blend of the trio, the 2018 Le Desir is 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, and as with all these wines, it was brought up in new barrels. Ruby/purple and not completely opaque, it offers up a classic Cabernet Franc nose of mostly red fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, cedary spices, and truffle. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shines for its incredible elegance and purity more than outright power, yet it still brings plenty of richness. With ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and one heck of a great finish, it's another great, great wine from this estate.
WA 97+ (7/2021): Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the 2018 Le Désir was aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, soon unfurling to offer glimpses at notes of kirsch, raspberry preserves and mulberry scents, plus hints of cedar chest, crushed rocks, bay leaves, Sichuan pepper and lavender with a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has tons of freshness to support the melange of preserved red and black fruits, textured by grainy tannins, finishing with a lingering peppery kick. It may require just a little more time to come around than the La Joie and La Muse, and then I suspect this beauty is going to reward the patient. |
|
| Vice Versa |
2018 |
Houyi Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Vincent Wine Co. |
2018 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Gris |
$17 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$180 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a great example of this site. Rich and explosive in feel, the 2018 hits the palate with serious intensity. Blackberry, chocolate, spice, leather, licorice and dark spice give this powerhouse Cabernet much of its brooding intensity. A few more years in bottle is an absolute must. (Drink between 2026-2028). Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (5/2022): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is all varietal and saw over two years (26 months) in new French oak. A deep, powerful, concentrated Spring Mountain Cabernet, it reveals a dense purple hue to go with powerful black currant and black cherry fruits as well as notes of licorice, chocolate, espresso, and new leather. As with the Block Six, it has lots of oak, yet the tannins here are sweet, it has a beautifully layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. It’s not for those seeking instant gratification (or the oak adverse) and this beauty demands cellaring. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it should last for 2-3 decades. |
|
| William & Mary Wine Company |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$92.65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Shifflett Ranch Proprietary Blend |
$84.15 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is plump and juicy, with a lovely sense of immediacy that runs through it. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon are all nicely kicked up in this mid-weight, gracious appellation-level Pinot from Williams Selyem. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Zena Crown |
2018 |
Conifer Pinot Noir |
$69.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Germany |
| Weingut Hermann Donnhoff |
2005 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (2/2007): Rich golden yellow. Bright, crisp nose dominated by candied peach, lemon oil and acacia honey. The lusciously sweet tropical-fruit palate maintains a remarkable delicacy in spite of the wine's richness and depth. The long, glossy finish is underscored by a refined spiciness. |
|
|
2006 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$836.98 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$429.98 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$432.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2009): Donnhoff's 2007 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese leads with an unusually floral aromatic display, and the palate impression is so honeyed you'd think it were Bienenauslese (selected by bees). There is remarkable density here, with site-typical layering of flowers, orchard fruits, citrus, berries, along with smoky, peat-like, stony mineral suggestions that become more prominent as the wine takes on air. The finish is almost luxuriantly rich by Hermannshohle standards. But I am sure this wine will find more to say with time and not fall silent for 30 years or more. |
|
|
2010 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 94 (2/2012): Rich golden yellow. Luscious aromas of candied pineapple, lemon oil and acacia honey on a bed of smoky botrytis. The succulent weight of papaya fruit is levitated by crisp minerality on the palate. A fine balance of creamy fruit and herbal spice on the seductive, very long finish.
WA 93 (12/2011): Smoky black tea wafts over quince preserves and almost overripe pear on the nose and the glossy, subtly creamy, yet bright palate of Donnhoff's 2010 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule. Nut paste and a savory smoked meat dimension contribute complexity to this lusciously lingering Auslese, but one that " like its Brucke counterpart' does not capture the dynamic spirit of the 2010 vintage to quite the extent of its Spatlese siblings, and would benefit (might well, in time) from a bit more focus. Still, this will impress regardless for at least two decades. |
|
|
2012 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$45 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2013): Rich golden yellow. Luscious aromas of candied pineapple, lemon oil and acacia honey. The succulent weight of papaya fruit levitates with crisp minerality on the palate. Finishes with a fine balance of creamy lingering fruit and herbal spices. Joel B. Payne. |
|
|
2015 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 77530102016 |
$39 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2017): Headily decadent aromas of overripe peach and musk melon, peony and lily set the tone for a creamy, enveloping, lusciously fruit-saturated palate. There is enough fresh fruit acidity and salinity to lend the long finish animation and mouthwatering savor, though for now this misses the dynamic or the focus of its Spätlese counterpart, let alone of the Brücke Auslese. (Drink between 2017-2036). David Schildknecht. |
|
|
2018 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 7753010 24 19 |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (6/2020): Like its Brücke counterpart, this Auslese reflects genuinely botrytis-free grapes, said Dönnhoff, but ones that were too numerous and too high in sugar to use elsewhere, “and certainly not in the Grosses Gewächs, which would then have ended up with 14% alcohol.” Sea breeze on the nose intimates the sweet-saline savor of raw scallop that emerges on this wine’s lusciously lingering, mouthwateringly umami-rich finish. White peach and quince preserves feature throughout, reinforced on the soothingly creamy palate by nougat-like nut essences. There is an animating, juicy fresh-fruit aspect as well, and a wonderful sense of both focus and transparency to stony and ore-like nuances. (Drink between 2020-2050). Dvid Schildknecht. |
|
|
2007 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$429.98 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$712.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Beerenauslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,208.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$676.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$826.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$823.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$714.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$750.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2009): Gardenia, peony, and resinous herbs in the nose of Donnhoff's 2007 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese give way to a palpably extract-rich palate of vibratory intensity, suffused with stony, saline, and tactile suggestions of mineral matter, yet at the same time rich orchard fruits. If the Krotenpfuhl was painted with water colors, the medium here is definitely oil, exhibiting both dynamic and intricate brush work as well as dense layering. This masterpiece - picked simultaneously with the corresponding Grosses Gewachs - was only beginning to show its depth in the spring and needed almost six months in bottle to really shine forth. Take as long as fate permits you to savor this; I can't imagine it disappointing a quarter century or more from now.
VM 93+ (2/2009): Tantalizing aromas of papaya, sweet herbs and incense. Discreet but intense black cherry fruit rises from the mid-palate, accompanied by brilliant acidity. Animated and finely spiced, with a deep, long finish. I may be underrating this. |
|
|
2012 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese (1.5 L) |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 100 (8/2020): All of nature's springtime joy and the epitome of autumnal ripeness somehow combine with summer-morning dew to offer one of the greatest off-dry German wines made in modern times. Breathtaking finish, so wonderfully light and filigree. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. |
|
|
2013 |
Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 77530102214 |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (1/2015): Only made in vintages with a high ripeness (a pre-selection of the GG) the 2013 Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Auslese offers ripe and shortly cooked apple as well as pineapple aromas along with some volcanic rocks on the nose leading to a sweet, rich and piquant Riesling which shows its great talents not before the finish which is pure and salty but again sweet and sensual. The finish displays citric flavors and black bread but there is no heaviness or botrytis opulence at all in this wine. |
|
|
2016 |
Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$540.97 |
1 |
|
| |
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2012 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese |
$49 |
6 |
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2019 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$304.97 |
3 |
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2019 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$256.97 |
5 |
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2021 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$276.97 |
6 |
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2005 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 7753010 14 06 |
$59 |
6 |
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| VM 92 (2/2007): Rich golden- yellow color.The nose offers l uscious yellow plum, honeysuckle and sweet spice, layered with a delicate hint of botrytis.Smoky pineapple jam and an elevated minerality animate the palate. Dense, juicy and long on the finish. Joel B. Payne. |
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2006 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$786.98 |
2 |
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2007 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$750.99 |
4 |
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WA 98 (9/2009): Incredible nose of candied orange peel, preserved ginger and honeysuckle with a touch of wet pebbles. The palate is packed with minerals and spiced fruits. A high level of lively acidity perfectly balances the seductive sweetness. Very long, minerally finish.
VM 94 (2/2009): Rich golden yellow. Passion fruit, a floral nuance and a bit of licorice on the nose. Pineapple and honey give way to brisk spicy acidity on the palate. A well-balanced, vivid auslese that finishes smoky and long, with an almost salty minerality. |
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2010 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$50 |
5 |
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| WA 94 (12/2011): Picked-out, like its Hermannshohle counterpart, in the last, early-November days of harvest, Donnhoff's 2010 Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese gold capsule was, he estimates, "perhaps 50% affected by botrytis, and dry botrytis, no mere rot." Candied lime rind and marzipan; lily and honeysuckle; white peach and salted caramel inform this wine's haunting nose and rich yet buoyant palate, with the mouthwatering savor that characterized the corresponding Spatlese undiminished. This needs some time in bottle to better focus, and it will be interesting to see whether it develops more sense of cut and brightness. But it's already irresistible, and almost sure to prove worth following for a quarter century or more. |
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2013 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese AP 77530102114 |
$99 |
3 |
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| WA 94+ (1/2015): The 2013 Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Auslese has a very clear and precise bouquet of slightly cooked apples and lemons. Piquant on the palate this is a very bright, firmly structured and salty wine with a great and complex length. It is precise and very juicy but always piquant and salty. A great and stimulating Auslese. |
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2006 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$592.97 |
1 |
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| VM 92 (1/2008): Rich golden yellow. Luscious aromas of passion fruit, pineapple and sweet lime mingle with a delicate hint of botrytis. A bright spiciness along with elevated minerality enliven the palate. Finishes smoky and long. Joel B. Payne. |
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2007 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$545.97 |
4 |
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| WA 98 (9/2009): Incredible nose of candied orange peel, preserved ginger and honeysuckle with a touch of wet pebbles. The palate is packed with minerals and spiced fruits. A high level of lively acidity perfectly balances the seductive sweetness. Very long, minerally finish. |
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2006 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Beerenauslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,125.98 |
3 |
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2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Beerenauslese (3x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$917.99 |
2 |
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2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Beerenauslese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,344.99 |
1 |
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2009 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$249.98 |
2 |
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2011 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$440.97 |
1 |
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| WA 96 (2/2013): High-toned, distillate-like herbal extracts along with ripe fresh strawberry, apple and quince inform the scintillating nose and electrical charged palate of Donnhoff’s 2011 Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese. “We were able to just keep waiting on this site," he explains, “so that even this lightest wine from the Brucke was picked only in the last days of (regular) harvest." Hints of pits and seed, along with black tea, nut oils, zesty citrus, and myriad mineral impingements add to a sense of quickening that goes well beyond mere invigoration in this gem’s strikingly persistent, shimmeringly vibrant finish. I was left with salivary glands palpitating and arms covered in gooseflesh. It will probably be hard to resist such a wine at any point over the next quarter century, but those with the requisite remaining life expectancy should make an effort to defer for the duration the pleasure of at least the last bottle or two. |
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2012 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese |
$49 |
6 |
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2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML) |
$330 |
1 |
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| JS 97 (8/2020): If you dream of the great German rieslings of the 1970s and 1980s, then this is a wine for you, even though it is riper and more concentrated than those icons of the past. In spite of the abundant generosity, this has a very long, distinctly cool finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. |
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2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese |
$55 |
4 |
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| JS 97 (8/2020): If you dream of the great German rieslings of the 1970s and 1980s, then this is a wine for you, even though it is riper and more concentrated than those icons of the past. In spite of the abundant generosity, this has a very long, distinctly cool finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. |
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2022 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$332.99 |
4 |
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2011 |
Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$908.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$617.97 |
1 |
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2007 |
Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Riesling Beerenauslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,125.98 |
2 |
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WA 99 (10/2009): The over-ripe pear and quince featured in other nobly sweet wines of this collection are very much present in Donnhoff's 2007 Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Beerenauslese, along with aromas of distilled gentian, gardenia, lemon oil, freshly baked bread, and white truffle. The intensity of inner-mouth perfume here - orchard fruit, floral, and herbal distillates - is nearly beyond belief. Pear nectar, quince preserves, apple jelly, liquid gardenia, brown spices, and a certain saline and smoky suggestions of things mineral inform a finish of trance-inducing duration. This amazing elixir - harvested largely in the Turmchen section of the site - should be worthy of 40 years cellaring. When Donnhoff laughingly referred to this as the year of Felsenberg, he was not in fact kidding, nor was he referring just to the sheer number of bottlings!
VM 97 (1/2009): Rich golden yellow. Sublime aromas of candied citrus fruits, lemon oil and acacia honey. The succulent weight of papaya fruit levitates over the wine's understated minerality. The palate-staining finish boasts an impeccable balance of creamy fruit, smoky botrytis and herbal spices. An Outstanding effort for the vintage! |
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2018 |
Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$431.99 |
4 |
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2022 |
Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$395.99 |
5 |
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2007 |
Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$354.99 |
3 |
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2018 |
Weingut Hermann Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs |
$119 |
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2019 |
Weingut Hermann Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese |
$69 |
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Sold Out
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2018 |
Weingut Hermann Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs |
$119 |
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Sold Out
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